Norton Security with Backup streamlines nine previously separate products into one internet security suite. While competitors pursue needlessly complicated product family architectures, Norton Security with Backup has simplified its internet security software. Performance is more important than features, however, and Norton Security with Backup is an astounding performer.

When independent test lab AV-Test ran 24 competing security applications through a series of tests in March and April of 2014, Norton achieved outstanding results on the Windows 8.1 platform. Although while visiting websites and downloading software Norton took a second longer than the industry average, the tradeoff was that it earned perfect scores in the protection and usability test sections. You can’t get something for nothing. The applications with faster performance results did not match Norton’s perfect scores in antimalware tests.

There were two malware protection tests: one that exposed Norton to 20,646 samples of known malware, and one that exposed it to 138 samples of brand-new malware. This software achieved a perfect score in the first malware protection test, compared with an industry average of 98 percent effectiveness. Norton also received a perfect score in the second test, compared with an industry average score of 94 percent.

Even the best internet security software sometimes lets a threat in, which is why Norton provides a 100 percent virus protection guarantee. Whereas many software publishers charge for malware removal by technical support representatives, with Norton the service is free. Norton will refund the price of the software if it fails to rid your PC or Mac from infection.

During the past few years, the best internet security software publishers have marketed many products with only slight differences. Entry-level antivirus products provide antimalware and antispyware capabilities. And then if you want anti-spam or antiphishing you pay a few more dollars for the internet security suite version. Then of course there is the premium internet security suite that contains a few more features. There are also Mac-specific versions in addition to PC versions as well as all-in-one versions that protect PCs, Macs, Androids and iOS devices with a single license. Norton Security with Backup is an all-in-one product that replaces all previous Norton consumer internet security products and contains all of their features. By rolling all possible features into one product, Norton improves safety for all of its customers. You manage all of the devices under Norton protection from an online account that lets you add new devices and move protection from one device to another. If someone steals a device running this software, you will be able to locate the stolen device and remotely wipe or lock it. The Norton subscription includes 24/7 customer support by telephone or online chat.

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Norton Internet Security with Backup Summary:

8.8/10

Norton Security with Backup protects up to five devices with one license that you manage from an online account. At tests conducted at independent software labs, this suite achieved perfect protection and usability scores at the expense of minimal impact on system performance, which is why we include it in our review of best security software products. By replacing multiple products with only slight differentiation at the feature level, Norton Security with Backup provides end users with much more protection than typical internet security suites provide.